DigitalGlobe has released the first images from its WorldView-3 super-spectral, high-resolution commercial imaging satellite.
WorldView-3 was successfully launched on August 13 on a United Launch Alliance-built Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. On August 19, DigitalGlobe completed commissioning of the satellite bus and opened the door on the main telescope. On August 21, the company completed focusing of the optical sensor and achieved Initial Operational Capability (“IOC”) on WorldView-3’s entire suite of 27 spectral bands.
Jeff Tarr, Chief Executive Officer, said “We are delighted that even in the early stages of calibration and commissioning, WorldView-3 is revealing new insights that will enable customers to address some of the most pressing global challenges. WorldView-3 performance is exceeding our expectations and is a great step forward in helping our customers make critical decisions with confidence as they save lives, resources and time.”
Digital Globe has made zoomable images available on the DigitalGlobe blog. The image examples are taken of Madrid, Spain, and highlight a variety of use cases for existing and new DigitalGlobe customers. Because of the regulatory restrictions, DigitalGlobe can’t yet display the 30 cm native resolution data, so the samples have been resampled to 40cm resolution.
The satellite will continue its calibration and validation program for several months before beginning commercial operations.
